The Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM), now firmly established as the largest tourism trade event in Nepal, has emerged as a powerful platform for promoting international tourism and fostering collaboration among Himalayan nations. The fifth edition of this prestigious international tourism fair was recently held in Kathmandu from June 3 to 5, 2025 (Jestha 20 to 22), drawing over 700 participants from around the world and reaffirming Nepal’s strategic role as the “Gateway to the Himalayas.”
A Grand Confluence of Global and Regional Tourism Stakeholders
According to a press release by the organizer Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, this year’s Himalayan Travel Mart set new standards in promoting international cooperation, marketing collaboration, and sustainable tourism development. With the theme “Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum,” the event was a milestone in itself, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of PATA Nepal Chapter and the 75th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Annapurna.
More than 100 international delegates representing 30 countries participated in the event, alongside hundreds of Nepalese tourism professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and media representatives. The Mart hosted extensive B2B meetings, destination familiarization tours, cultural events, and insightful knowledge-sharing sessions, creating a dynamic platform for collaboration between international buyers and local tourism service providers.
Nepal: The Gateway to the Himalayas
Inaugurating the Mart, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, emphasized Nepal’s pivotal role as the Gateway to the Himalayas. He highlighted the symbolic importance of HTM taking place during the double celebration of PATA Nepal’s golden jubilee and the diamond jubilee of Mount Annapurna’s first ascent.
He further stressed the Nepal Government’s unwavering commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism, calling for stronger global partnerships and enhanced public-private cooperation to shape the future of Himalayan tourism.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Year-Round Tourism
In his address, Mr. Khem Lakai, Chairperson of PATA Nepal Chapter, called for greater regional coordination to position Nepal as a year-round tourism destination. He underscored the necessity of cross-border cooperation among Himalayan nations to sustainably manage shared natural and cultural heritage while delivering unique travel experiences.
Similarly, Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, presented Nepal’s sustainable tourism vision and introduced new travel circuits and experiential products aimed at attracting long-haul and repeat travelers. Joshi stressed the importance of creating new value-driven experiences that reflect Nepal’s diverse tourism potential, including spirituality, nature, culture, wellness, and adventure.
Visionary Voices and Thought Leadership
Adding to the intellectual depth of the event, veteran tourism entrepreneur Mr. Karna Shakya delivered a keynote presentation on the theme “Himalayas, Achievements, and Momentum.” He emphasized that tourism should not merely be viewed as an economic activity, but as a tool to drive social transformation, environmental conservation, and global understanding.
CEO of PATA Nepal, Mr. Suresh Singh Budal, highlighted the significance of interactions during the Mart. According to him, the B2B sessions were enriched by thematic dialogues on rising global trends such as spiritual tourism, adventure travel, luxury experiences, cultural intelligence, sustainability, and post-pandemic recovery strategies. The exchange of ideas among national and international experts allowed for deeper insights into how Nepal and other Himalayan countries can capitalize on the global travel rebound.
Immersive Destination Experiences for International Delegates
International guests attending HTM 2025 were also offered firsthand experiences of Nepal’s diverse tourism attractions through familiarization trips to iconic destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Dhulikhel, and Panauti. These visits provided valuable exposure to Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual depth, biodiversity, and rural community-based tourism models.
The delegates witnessed Nepal’s offerings in wildlife safaris, mountain vistas, spiritual retreats, wellness tourism, adventure sports, and cultural festivals, all key segments contributing to Nepal’s global tourism appeal. Feedback from participants indicated that such immersive tours were instrumental in fostering deeper interest and trust in Nepal as a reliable and transformative tourism destination.
The Way Forward: A Stronger Himalayan Tourism Network
The Himalayan Travel Mart 2025 concluded on a high note, with stakeholders unanimously recognizing its value in reinforcing Nepal’s global tourism profile and its importance as a regional hub for Himalayan exploration. With increasing demand for authentic and sustainable travel, the Mart reaffirmed the Himalayan region’s growing stature as a magnet for international visitors seeking deeper, more meaningful travel experiences.
HTM has not only strengthened the branding of Nepal as the Gateway to the Himalayas but has also set a precedent for collective action in advancing Himalayan tourism. The event has carved out a crucial niche in the international tourism calendar, one that promotes innovation, dialogue, and responsible development across borders.
As Nepal and its neighboring Himalayan nations continue to embrace tourism as a strategic development sector, the Himalayan Travel Mart stands out as a beacon of collaboration, inspiration, and resilience. With the groundwork laid for future cooperation and innovation, HTM 2025 will be remembered as a landmark event in Nepal’s tourism journey, one that honored the past, energized the present, and shaped a dynamic vision for the future.
